How to Embroider: Cretan Stitch- Video and Step by Step Tutorial

Cretan Stitch

The cretan stitch looks like Vs connected along a center line. This stitch is popularly used to fill in leaves and make a great boarder or filling stitch. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the cretan stitch.

What you'll need to create the cretan stitch:

• cotton fabric

• embroidery hoop

• embroidery thread

• embroidery needle

• embroidery scissors

Cretan Stitch Video

Cretan Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. The cretan stitch looks like Vs connected along a center line. To start, bring the needle up through the fabric at the tip of the first V.

2. Hold the thread towards the center point of the V and bring the needle back through the fabric along the right outer edge of the V, creating an open U shape.

3. Bring the needle up through the U, where the inside point of the next V will start. Gently tug the thread taught so the U become a V.

4. Add the next V in the link. Hold the thread towards the center point of the V and bring the needle down towards the left outer edge of the next V.

5. Tug the thread to create a U, then bring the needle back up through the U where the inside point of the next V will start. Continue gently tugging the thread to create a V.

6. Continue filling, alternating sides for each V stitch. The cretan stitch can be spaced out or used to fill in. If filling, space the V's much closer together.

7. At the bottom of the shape, complete the last V stitch, then create a short straight stitch that secures the V at the base.

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